Schizophrenia and antipsychotic somatic treatment.

Abstract

Schizophrenia typically affects individuals in early life and leads to long-term suffering at high cost to both the individual and the community. Structural, functional, and biochemical factors may play a role in the pathogenesis and perhaps the course, of schizophrenia. Although early research into the treatment of schizophrenia was not fruitful, the results of recent research, particularly the use of narcoleptics combined with new clinical appreciation of psychosocial factors in chronic psychotic disorders, give reason for hope and optimism.